Latest Astravan makes its debut at CV Show
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THE LAST OF the spring collection of new vans to be unveiled is Vauxhall's fifthgeneration Astravan.
The new range, built once again in Ellesmere Port, features two trim levels. Club and Sportive, with three Euro-4 turbo-diesel engines: I .300cc/89hp; 1,700cc/ 99hp; and 1,900ccil 19hp. Transmission options are five and sixspeed manuals and the return of an auto, now with six speeds.
The Club can also come with a 1.4-litre petrol which features an LPG conversion, despite waning popularitv. Most dimensions are slightly larger than the old model, although extra rear trim means the overall load volume is a fraction down. Payload is quoted at 650kg. Although the Astra car range doesn't include a three-door estate, the van is constructed with a minimum of special pressings, principally the outer body side panels It is identical to the well-respected car from the B-pillar forward.
New options include a fold-flat passenger seat combined with a bulkhead flap to accommodate long items.
The old van attracted two major criticisms from 01. One, the noise transmitted from the rear, looks to have been solved with a welltrimmed loadbox.The second was the ease with which the rear suspension could be overloaded — but figures for axle weights are still being finalised so we'll have to wait and see.